REIGNING IN LIFE

Part 3

Jack Davis

“They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ” Romans 5:17. 

EXHAUSTLESS PROVISION

The grace that God has extended unto us in our dear Lord Jesus Christ is more than enough to enable us to prevail. “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Our God has for us the total wherewith to get therewith. We need abundant grace to finish our race as winners. The wealth of God’s grace is extended unto us in our beloved Lord, so we come boldly to the throne through our faithful advocate.

“But:” Paul seems to use this little word by way of contrast, or, so to speak - “on the other hand.” Although, the depths of their poverty had abounded unto the riches of their liberality because of the grace that had been bestowed upon them (II Cor. 8:1-2) proving the sincerity of their love (8:8). For they knew, “the (gift) grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (8:9). They were “thankful for God’s unspeakable gift” (9:15).

These saints had communicated with Paul’s affliction, and with him concerning giving and receiving (Phil. 4:14-15). They had been used to send repeatedly to the supply of Paul’s need (V. 16). They didn’t to it because Paul desired a gift, nor did Paul mention it here because he desired a gift. Paul’s desire (so full of grace for them) was that fruit would abound to their account.

He knew that these who had sown bountifully would also reap bountifully (II Cor. 9:6). In fact Paul expected Him that ministered seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, to multiply their seed sown and increase the fruit of their righteousness (II Cor. 9:10). Therefore righteousness is not only a gift by grace, but also by grace, fruit is produced.

Their gracious attitude toward the Lord and Paul emitted the sweet odour of Christ that is ever pleasing to God. “But,” with all that being the case, what did Paul expect for them? They would have needs, and Paul took pleasure in necessities. We will always have needs as long as we are here. But Paul puts all, every need into one big pile, as contrasted with God’s exhaustless supply, “His riches in glory.”

We run out of human resources, they seem to evaporate. Material riches can make themselves wings and fly away. Athletic competitors (especially endurance racers) sometimes try to hold back some of their go-power in reserve for the end of their race, instead of going all out. This strategy often fails them and they suffer loss, for different reasons. Contestants in spiritual contest often act thus because of unbelief. Paul said, I’ll gladly spend and be spent.

Beloved, we are coming to the end of our race shall we not go all out and run more consistently and depend completely on the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus?” Who could exhaust “all grace?” What is all our need, compared to His riches in glory?

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all thing, may abound to every good work” – II Cor. 9:8.

“And who is sufficient for these things?” Verses like those in this article comfort our hearts when we feel inadequate for our task, or even the least bit adequate. Glory to God!

Thank God, it is our privilege to reign by the grace of One, enjoy peace in One, exercise power through One, and find in Him sufficient supply to be more than conqueror, unto His praise and eternal glory.

 Rejoice!!

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

I was impressed listening to a message on rejoicing given on a Wednesday night at our assembly. As I continued to meditate on that topic, I was brought to the above verse and was impressed by the idea that God wanted His people to rejoice before Him. This same statement appear several times as God gives the order of the different feasts in the Old Testament.

The feasts are intended to be reminders about God’s goodness and care for His people, as well as pictures of God’s work of Salvation through Jesus. It is then telling that God says to rejoice before Him. Our rejoicing is not in our circumstances, but in recognition of God’s goodness and provision.

In Deuteronomy 12:7, we read, “And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.” Here Moses is instructing God’s people about how they will be in the promised land. They are instructed to rejoice in all that they put their hand to. 

Israel was reminded to rejoice in God’s provision. “And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God: And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.” Deuteronomy 26:10-11. Do we rejoice in all of God’s provision? We certainly are often quick to complain when we think we are not getting what we deserve.

Those that truly have placed their trust in God, have reason to rejoice. “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Psalms 5:11. Our rejoicing is not in our circumstances, but in God Himself.

As I considered all of the expectation of rejoicing in the Old Testament, I began to realize that we have even more reason to rejoice. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-9, Paul tells us that the New Testament is more glorious than the Old. I think it then follows that we have even more to rejoice about. Maybe this is why Paul tell us in Philippians 4:4 to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Scripture seems to indicate clearly that as God’s children, we should be rejoicing. Not just in the good times and the good circumstances, but in everything and at all times. It is easy to rejoice when things are going our way. What about when God allows some suffering in our lives? I would not suggest that we are happy all the time. There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is the result of our circumstance, and is an emotion that we display when something good happens. Sadness and sorrow are emotions that we display when grief comes our way. Joy is an underlying current that makes our grief and sadness different from the world.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul says we should not sorrow in the same manner as those that have no hope. Because we have a hope that brings us joy in the midst of sorrow. Our rejoicing is not in the things of this world, but in our great hope which is in Jesus. A hope of eternal life.

See what Jesus says in Luke 10:20: “Not withstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Notice that something like the spirits being subject to us sounds like a great thing to rejoice about, but Jesus says there is something more important. How easily we get distracted by something other than Jesus and His work of grace on our behalf.

The encouragement I have received from this study is invaluable. Our enemy is constantly attempting to steal our joy. However, we need to be reminded that we have reason to rejoice, and that God wants us to rejoice before him. 

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.

 BE NOT OVERCOME WITH FEAR

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” Psalms 27:1 The word “salvation” speaks of “liberty, safety, and deliverance.” These are some of the blessings we have as we trust in the Lord our God for everything. He has a plan for our lives and He is working to fulfill all of His divine will for us. Often we may fear Satan, who is always trying to defeat God’s children. The word “fear” (yaw-rey) means “dread or frighten.” Since we are just little weak humans, Satan will try our faith in our God. Isaiah 59:19 gives us a precious promise, “...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” The word “standard” written in Hebrew means “a high place.”

In Psalm 23:4 David said “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” The word “valley” in Hebrew means “a gorge from its lofty sides, hence narrow.” When David says, “evil” this word means “dread, misery, trouble, frightened.” Why did David “not fear”? Because God was “with him: and Thy rod and staff they comfort me.”

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” God will strengthen us physically or mentally and establish, or fortify, increase and make us strong. (Strong’s Concordance). Psalms 98:1, declares “O sing unto the LORD a new song, for He hath done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory.” Read Isaiah 41:3 which says, “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.” This is what He does for us. How precious!

In II Timothy 1:7, Apostle Paul admonished Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and a sound mind.” Again thinking of Isaiah 59:19 -Satan is the instigator of “the Spirit of fear.” The word “fear” in this place speaks of “timidity.” In Hebrews 2:9, we read “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Vs. 14-15) “Forasmuch as much as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took part of the same that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. And deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” The word “fear” speaks of “alarm, fright and terror.” This is exactly what the old devil tries to do to the believers, but we are victors in Christ Jesus. 

When Jesus was here on earth He calmed the waves of the stormy sea. He said, “Be not afraid” to His disciples who were so terrorized. I John 4:16 & 18 it states, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love and He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” Those who fear are not “perfect in love.” The word “perfect” means in the Greek -”complete, consecrated, fulfilled or finished.” The perfection of the love of God in our life, speaks of “to end, to finish by completing what was intended, to perfect, to bring or carry to the utmost point or degree.” This is what the Lord wants in our lives and hearts. This perfection shows our love for Christ. We can have total confidence that we are kept in the precious hands of God. The Smyrna church in Revelation 2:10 were admonished to “be faithful unto death and I will give thee the crown of life.” In II Timothy 4:5-8, Apostle Paul tells us He is ready to be offered. He overcame and was beheaded for Christ. This says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give me on that day, and not to me only but to all those who love His appearing.” Another precious promise is Revelation 3:21, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame and set down with my Father in His throne.”

Our new life, Christ in us, causes us to recognize when we aren’t laying hold of God’s mercy and grace, which helps us to overcome all fear.

 The Christian Prayer Life

Greg Gilliam, Pastor 

Grace Christian Assembly, 

Independence, Missouri

What is Prayer? The dictionary gives two meanings concerning prayer. The first meaning is to address God – ask, request, adore, petition, or supplication. The second is to commune with God silently or using words.

Prayer to Whom? Jesus gives an example of prayer in Matthew 6:8-15. Notice verse 9, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Our prayers go to  God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He (Jesus) is the one (by His death, burial and resurrection) who has given us the authority and privilege to come into God’s presence. John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Also Eph. 2:18, “For through him (Jesus Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” 

In I Peter 5:7 we read, “Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” The thought here is to pray to the one who cares. No one cares quite like Jesus. Not only is He concerned for us, He has the ability to do something about our cares. Eph. 3:20 tells us, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Prayer Attitudes: Come boldly, knowing that you (any of God’s people) are accepted in His presence. Heb. 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Come for communion: (to converse or confer with Him intimately). Many times when we come into His presence, we come to get something. While we are in His presence, He not only wants to hear from us but he wants to speak to us. It has been said, that men would do well to listen twice as much as he talks. That is why God gave us two ears and one mouth. This communion takes two, one to speak and another to hear.

Come to worship: Christ desires our worship and praise. David knew that praise was important, read Psalm 146 and 147.

Come humbled: I have always been impressed with a thought in I Peter 5:5-7. Peter calls for us to be, “clothed with humility.” Before we come to cast our cares upon Him we must see our need. As we acknowledge our need (or insufficiency) God can work.

Come Submitting: Are you willing to forget your own desires and instead take His? In Matthew 26:39 Jesus did, “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Come believing: James give us some advice about praying. In James 1:5-6, we read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Believe (trust) that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Romans 4:21 tells us to be, “fully persuaded that, what he had (has) promised, he was (is) able to perform.” He has great ability!

Come expecting: Look to receive an answer from Him (maybe not the answer you desired, but what He deems best for you.) God always answers prayer. David said in Psalm 3:4, “I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.” With this in mind (re: God answers prayer) we can trust He hears our prayers. Matthew 7:8, “For everyone that asketh receiveth (In accordance to God’s will); and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

For whom do we pray? For them which despitefully use you – Matthew 5:44. Pray for the unsaved – Romans 10:1. Pray for the sick – Acts 19:12 & James 5:13-15. Pray for the saints – I Thess. 1:2-3; II Tim. 1:3-4. Also prayer is to be made for all men, kings, and all in authority – I Tim. 2:1-2.

Exhortations to Prayer: Eph. 6:18 – praying always. Col. 4:2, continue in prayer. I Thess. 5:17 – pray without ceasing.

 “WATCH WITH ME ONE HOUR”

Oh come away from care and strife

   That falls upon you in this life

I am your strong and lofty Tower

   Will you now watch with Me one Hour?

Come sit low at My feet My Dove

   My banner over you is love

Feed on My Word you’ll never tire

   Will you now watch with Me one hour?

Yes come aside and rest today

   And every burden on Me lay

I’ll comfort, strengthen by My Power

   Will you now watch with Me one hour?

Now steal away to secret stair

   And let me see your face so fair

You’re safe in Me your High Tower

   Will you now watch with Me one hour?

Then come away to mountain high

   My coming now is drawing nigh

I’ll give you rest and peace and power

   If you will watch with Me one hour.

Well done Thou true and faithful one

   You’ve won My heart, your Prize you’ve won

You’ll reign with Me, My Bride with power

   For you did watch with Me one hour.

– Essie Leonard

 JONAH

Debra Isenbletter, Pastor

Christian Assembly, Springfield, Missouri

Jonah 4:7—”But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.” 

Matthew Henry: “God that provided comfort for him provided also an affliction for him in that very thing which was his comfort; the affliction did not come by chance but by divine direction and appointment.” 

I think this is one of the things that is hardest for God’s people to understand or to accept. It is that sometimes the hard things, the difficult things, the painful things in our lives are allowed by and used by the Lord for our benefit. What is hard is to see how those things can be a benefit to us and how they can be allowed in our lives.  Jonah needed to see this truth in his life and see that comfort and affliction sometimes work together for our good.

“God prepared a worm…” Again, God “prepared” something specifically for Jonah’s instruction.  It is the third thing God prepared for his rebellious servant. When He prepared it, this means that He created it and He controlled it. It had a purpose and a mission all its own. This was a worm created especially for this plant, it was a worm that loved and fed on this plant.  God prepared something to take away the comfort that Jonah enjoyed and may have taken for granted.  It was a small worm but it was mighty.  God often uses little things to do mighty works.  

What Jonah needs to learn is that even if the gourd is taken away, even if his comfort is taken away, it does not mean that because the gourd is gone, that the Presence of the Lord is gone. The Lord is always there in the darkest of times, His Presence is even more precious in those times.

“when the morning rose the next day” or “when the morning dawned the next day.” This is God’s perfect timing, He waited until the “next day.”  The past day was a day of rest, it was a day of reflection and it was a day of rejoicing.  The present day will be a day of change, a day of testing and a day of suffering. What a difference this next day will be!  In this we see that God chooses the type of judgment and He also choose the time of judgment.  Nothing is by chance. This also shows that we have no guarantee that every day will be the same, that every day will be easy, that every day will be filled with blessings.  Our Lord blends together in perfect harmony both blessing and burdens and they work in conjunction with each other. They are the sweet and bitter experiences. They are the mountain top and valley experiences.  The lesson is that in each of those experiences we will always find our Savior. He will succor and sustain us in the sorrowful times and lift us up to glorious heights in the joyous times.

“and it smote the gourd that it withered” or “it attacked the plant and it withered” (Amplified/NAS).  The result is unmistakable.  The purpose and the destruction of the worm is seen.  It “smote” or “attacked” the gourd.  This word can speak of striking lightly or severely.  Here the worm does severe damage, unrepairable damage, unrecoverable damage.  The worm either fed on the leaves or bore into the shoot or stalk of the plant and fed there.  Caterpillars are called “eating machines” because they eat nonstop, this worm did the same thing.  The plant could not withstand the attack or recover from it.  The gourd “withered,” it “dried up” and it “died.” Jonah could see this happening but he could not stop it.  

What is so striking is Jonah’s attitude.  He surely knew the Lord provided the gourd for him, did he not realize the Lord removed the gourd?  What we do know is that in either case, the providing and the removing, that Jonah did not seem to praise the Lord.  He did not praise the Lord in all things and for all things.  Jonah needed to learn to “give thanks always for all things” (Eph.5:20).  Jonah needed to give thanks “in everything” (1Th.5:18). That means in everything no matter what the circumstance may be to be thankful and give thanks. We do this as a new creation. We do this because it is the will of God.  Jonah needed to learn that everything but the Word “withereth” and “fadeth” (Isa.40:4-8).  Jonah needed to learn that the Lord “giveth” and “taketh away” (Job 1:21) and to accept “the loss of all things” (Phil.3:8). Those are the lessons that we are learning today through the experiences we go through, through the blessings and the losses in our lives.

Jonah did not seem to see the Lord’s hand in every circumstance.  He did rejoice when the gourd grew up and gave him shade for “he was exceeding glad for the gourd,” note it is “for the gourd,” it is for the comfort and for the shade but did he mention the Lord in his rejoicing? Did he acknowledge the One who provided the gourd? Now the gourd is removed and the Lord is still not mentioned or acknowledged, just the loss.  The true test of faith is when we are willing to give thanks, not just giving thanks.  It is one thing to be thankful for a relief or reprieve from a difficult situation but another thing to give the Lord the credit and give Him thanks for that relief.  Then there is the ultimate test of our faith, it is when that relief or reprieve is taken away and the situation either returns or gets even worse.  What do we do then?  Do we give thanks? Did Jonah give thanks? No!  Did Job give thanks? Yes! Job praised the Lord even when he lost everything,  he understood that the Lord was in control even if everything was out of control. He said, “the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21). This is the testimony of Job.  He was “a perfect and an upright man” who held “fast to his integrity” (Job 2:3).  I remember listening to Brother David Franklin speak on Job and he said that when it refers to Job being “perfect” it means that Job allowed God to finish the work in his life.  That is what God is trying to do in Jonah’s life and in our lives. He wants to finish what He has begun and He will do it through His grace.

 God’s Timing and Purposes – Ecc. 3:1-8

Part 18

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Ecc. 3:8b: “…and a time to hate...”  We certainly seem to be living in a time of hatred, in a world filled with hate and violence.  But hate isn’t new.  It has been a problem ever since the first murder was recorded in the Bible, in Gen. 4:8, when Cain killed his brother Abel.  He became angry when his offering was not accepted by God, but his brother’s was.  Cain’s anger and jealousy turned to hatred toward his brother who had done nothing wrong, and the result was murder.  The daily newscasts are filled with similar stories of anger, hatred and murder.

The word “hate” means “a strong dislike of something or someone; to loathe or despise.”  Hate is the opposite of love, so how can there ever be a time for us to hate?  There is never a time for us to hate people, but there are certain things that we should hate, particularly evil actions or practices that go against God’s Word.  In fact, we should actually hate hatred itself since it is evil.

We are commanded to hate evil in Ps. 97:10: “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil.”  We find a similar command in Amos 5:14-15: “Seek good, and not evil…and love the good…”

But what is “evil”? The dictionary meaning of “evil” is “anything morally bad or wrong; sin; wickedness; depravity.”  In order to determine if something is evil, you must first have a fixed moral standard with which to compare it, one that does not change.  That standard can only be found in the pure, holy, unadulterated Word of God.

In Isa. 5:20 God pronounces judgment upon those who try to set their own standard for good and evil: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness…”  Unfortunately, we find that this is exactly what is happening in the world today.  We must be aware of this and be sure to use God’s Word as the gold standard to determine the things which we are to hate.  Be careful to only hate the action, not the person, for God hates sin but loves the sinner and sent His Son to die for us and set us free from our sins.

To simplify things, we are to hate the things that God hates and to love what God loves.  Solomon gives us some examples in Prov. 6:16-20: “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”  

The number “seven” is God’s number for completeness, so it does not mean that there are only seven evils that God hates.  There are many other things that are against God’s principles which are not listed here.  Verse 20 then tells us how to determine what they are and how to avoid them: “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”  Our Father’s commandment is to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourself.  Grace is our mother and is the basis for God’s love toward us and those who have wronged us.  God’s love is the antidote for hate.

Now I would like to discuss some confusing verses in Scripture which make it appear as though God hated certain people or that Jesus even commanded us to hate our father and mother.  Let us first examine the verse in Rom. 9:13, which Paul quotes from Mal. 1:2-3: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”  The word “hate” is “miseo” in the Greek.  When used in contrast to love, it does not remain its literal meaning of hatred but means a lesser degree of love.  The verse could be restated as, “Esau have I loved, but Jacob have I loved much more.”

God loved Jacob to a greater degree because He had chosen him for a special purpose, even in the womb, before either of the twins had done good or evil.  The twelve sons of Jacob were to become the heads of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, for God changed Jacob’s name to “Israel.”

We find the same comparative degree of love in a more familiar, but equally confusing, Scripture in Luke 14:26, where Jesus states, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”  This is stated a little differently in Matt. 10:37 which helps to clarify its intended meaning: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

The word “hate” in these references is used as a “hyperbole,” which is “an exaggeration used for effect, not meant to be taken literally.”  The extreme contrast between love and hate is used to illustrate the superlative degree of love which we are to have for Christ compared to our natural love for our family, or even our own lives.  Abraham demonstrated that kind of love for God when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar.

Paul also demonstrated his supreme love for Christ when he declared in Phil. 3:8, “…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”  He even stated in Acts 20:24, “…neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy…”

The day of Christ’s appearing is quickly drawing nigh, so now is our “time to hate:” to hate the evil in this world and to give Jesus first place in our lives, so that we, too, may win Christ as our prize.

 DRINKING AND OVERFLOWING

Jack Davis

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” Jn. 7:37-39

Jesus had said earlier “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” This was speaking of the need for divine moisture and nourishment for spiritual growth. An appetite was called for to create a craving or desire for that which only He could satisfy. The thirst that Jesus speaks of here, indicates a deep awareness of need of spiritual satisfaction. He gives an ardent desire or craving, that only He can satisfy.

The Word of God makes it clear, that once we have begun to partake of God’s Great Salvation, and to drink in of His Holy Spirit; that those cravings are to continue to grow, expand deepen and be beneficially utilized, and ever increasing in service to God and blessing to mankind. Those that thirst are to come and drink. This describes faith in action. Let us ever be partaking of the fountain of life (the living waters) and even the bread of life.

These are to be done “as the scripture hath said,” by faith as His promises, as they are to be fulfilled unto believing humanity. I have often enjoyed the wonderful Old Testament encouragement, such as “I will pour water on him that is thirsty, I will pour floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” Isa. 44:3-4. See also Psa. 42:2; 63:1; 143:6 & Isa. 55:1. These and many others give us a consensus as to what God is willing to do for humanity’s thirst for him. When Jesus spoke these words He was not yet glorified. But thank God we now today serve and worship a risen and glorified Lord and Savior. He has sent beck to earth, the Holy Spirit when he was glorified in heaven. He wonderfully sends into our heart and lives the Holy Spirit for those that would overflow in glorifying him. It is hard to understand how many of God’s people just seem unable to allow, an outflow unto God even though they seem to know that they are exceedingly blessed, He is so worthy of all our thanksgiving.

With the Holy Spirit flooding our beings, we realize a real reviving refreshing renewing flood upon dry ground. Floods that go beyond, far beyond, the initial infilling. These stir us to require more and more of all that He has called us for. For these floods He would have us keep on thirsting, coming, drinking, believing and flowing out to his glory.

“Out of his belly shall flow.” Our Father intends to receive multiplied returns on His great investment. He gave His Son to bring many sons unto glory. That which He has caused to flow into us He will draw out of believing yielding vessels. For the drinks He has been giving are to return unto Him rivers. Shall it be at least a cup full to give another drink? How about one big single bucket? One tank? Several tanks of thanks overflowing. Here we read of spiritual channels. We are blessed to be a blessing. Being blessed in our innermost being Jesus is to be glorified unto the uttermost. From our heart, mouth mind and soul. Continuing in our praises, our living. God’s rivers are to be full of channels, channels of blessings to others.

There are good scriptural indications that our lives and hearts are to flow out unto him in thanksgivings, under the influence of the blessed Holy Spirit.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess but be ye filled (filling) with the  Spirit; Speaking to your selves in Psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:17-20. “Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.” I Thess. 5:16-19. Oh, what rivers, what channels of blessing doing God’s will, supernaturally enabled. See the flow of the Spirit in igniting our rejoicing and praise? Indicting our prayers – Rom. 8:26-27. And even exciting us unto thanksgiving. Is it any wonder we are urged, “Quench not the Spirit.” He inspires the victorious attitude and flow of scriptural action. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father by Him.” Col. 3:17.

In Revelation we hear the sound of many waters as examples of that wherein we speak. “And the Spirit and the bride say Come. And let him that heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17. Oh, can you hear the rivers run? The bride speaking by the unction of the Holy Spirit! The Spirit speaking through her; the overflowing will of God. She will have been listening, drinking in by faith the overflowing sweet will of God, in glorifying Him. As we are filled in our capacity for Him, He will fill our whole being to use us to flow like rivers of living waters. “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying Alleluia: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.” Read and rejoice in Rev. 11:15-17. It’s coming to pass shortly.